In a bid to protect residents from the threat of a tsunami, the government of Tonga has issued a tsunami warning after an undersea volcano erupts in the Pacific Ocean. Satellite images showed a plume of ash and gas rising from the island nation of Tonga. This was accompanied by a massive explosion and thunder and lightning, which the local news website reported was heard more than 20 kilometers (12 miles) away in New Zealand.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami advisory for Hawaii. The affected areas may experience a drop in sea level. The Hawaiian Emergency Management Agency says the effects could begin as early as 1:05 a.m. today. The hazards may last for several hours. Beachgoers are urged to exercise caution and be aware of any unusual wave activity. Boaters are also advised to exercise caution until the unusual wave activity has ended.
Residents of the neighboring island nation of Fiji heard the rumbling of the undersea volcano as they fled the shore. Authorities in the Pacific region warned people to take cover for their homes and evacuate to higher ground. The king of Tonga, Tupou VI, climbed into a convoy of military and police. The residents huddled together as they sought higher ground.
The undersea volcano has erupted in dramatic fashion near Tonga, sending large waves crashing onto land and announcing a tsunami alert. The Tonga Meteorological Services have posted videos of the wave breaking ashore. A video on social media shows the crashing waves, as well as the ash and gas plume rising 12 miles.
Tonga Meteorological Services have issued a tsunami warning after an undersea volcano erupts in 2022. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, 80 centimeter-high waves are possible. Other nearby island nations, including Samoa and Fiji, have also issued a tsunami alert. Those in the islands should avoid the shoreline, especially if they are close to the shore.
The volcano’s ashes and ash soared into the air, causing a tsunami warning. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has said the ash and gas from the eruption were 2.4 feet high. However, there was no immediate sign of a tsunami or other major quake. The National Emergency Management Agency warned residents to evacuate and avoid shorelines, citing the possibility of a tidal event.
In the aftermath of the quake, the King of Tonga, Tupou VI, and other leaders were forced to flee their homes as the lava from the lava-filled volcano erupted early Friday. The resulting 1.2-metre tsunami flooded the city of Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, where more than 105,000 people live.
